This is the 2662nd most frequent Japanese word.
次ぐ
"To follow" or "to come after."
次ぐ is used here in a comparative context to indicate the following item in popularity after sushi.
日本では寿司が人気ですが、次ぐ食品はラーメンです。
In Japan, sushi is popular, but the next food is ramen.
次ぐ is utilized to describe advancement or succession within organizational roles.
彼は職場で次ぐ役割に昇進しました。
He was promoted to the next role in the workplace.
次ぐ is applied to the concept of sequence or continuation in creative works.